McAvennie baffled by Mancini after West Ham star Angelo Ogbonna cut from Italy squad
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Frank McAvennie has lambasted Roberto Mancini after West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna was excluded from the Italy squad for this summer’s European Championships.
Italy manager Mancini snubbed him for UEFA’s showpiece tournament despite the 33-year-old playing a crucial role in West Ham’s meteoric rise up the Premier League table, as David Moyes’ side finished sixth in the 2020/21 campaign, after narrowly avoiding relegation in the previous season.
Ogbonna has picked up 13 caps for the Azzurri but he hasn’t played since 2016, though he was called up by Mancini for two Nations League games in October 2020, where he played no part.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, McAvennie hit out at the former Manchester City manager’s decision, after Ogbonna claimed “meritocracy did not prevail”.
“Ogbonna’s had a wonderful time and I just don’t get it,” he said.
“Obviously Mancini hasn’t watched the games because he’s been outstanding.
“So I think the boy is right in saying that. He’s fully entitled to say that.
“There’s no excuse now for Mancini to say ‘Oh I didn’t come over because of Covid’. No, you can watch any game that you want now, so Mancini has no excuse.”
Close calls
Italy is a nation that is notorious for producing quality defenders, particularly those that operate in the centre, so it’s no slight on Ogbonna that he has not been chosen.
Veteran Juventus pair Leonardo Bonnuci and Giorgio Chiellini have both been picked, despite the latter enduring an injury-ravaged couple of seasons.
However, Chiellini has shown himself to be a vociferous voice in the dressing room and he has likely been taken as much for his experience and leadership than anything else.
Alessandro Bastoni and Rafael Toloi also made the cut, after helping their sides to Serie A glory and Champions League qualification, respectively.
Therefore, Ogbonna can rest easy knowing he was up against some major competition, while he will get the chance to recharge his batteries after suffering from a few injuries himself last season.
In other West Ham news, a reliable journalist claims the Irons are set to sign this Chelsea talent for a seven-figure fee.
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